Rep. Kevin Brady: States should have more power to unlock offshore energy resources?

Energy exploration is vital to America’s economy, and Rep. Kevin Brady hopes to give more power to the states in order to increase production.

Earlier in June, Rep. Kevin Brady introduced the “More Energy More Jobs Act” to give states the authority to nominate areas off their coasts for oil and gas development.

The Woodlands Republican believes that now is the time to create more American-made energy and more American jobs. His bill would unlock America’s offshore energy potential, allow governors to suggest locations for offshore development, and force Washington to do resource estimates and environmental reviews.

Brady is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the chairman of the Joint Economic Committee. He released the following statement regarding the More Energy More Jobs Act:

“America may never reach true energy security as long as 85% of our offshore areas remain off-limits to oil and gas development. This innovative approach allows willing states to nominate potential offshore areas for the federal draft 5-year lease plan. And it directs the Interior Department to conduct the economic and environmental studies that are the important first steps for inclusion in the lease plan. As a result, Washington will no longer be able to disqualify these important areas for purely political reasons.”

On Wednesday, The Woodlands Republican submitted an amendment to H.R. 2231, the “Offshore Energy and Jobs Act”, a bill that removes federal government barriers and expands United States offshore energy production.

The Offshore Energy and Jobs act was reported by the House Natural Resources Committee and is now on the House schedule. Brady’s amendment to H.R. 2231 is based off of his legislation, the More Energy, More Jobs Act.
“This gives states more power to unlock offshore energy resources – and the jobs and affordable energy that goes along with responsible offshore energy development. As our weak economy continues to struggle, more energy jobs and more tax revenue is good for the economy and good for governments trying to balance their budgets,” said Brady.